Scoutmaster Musings - Eagle Gifts

Scoutmaster Musings

I just finished these three fire pistons for the Eagle court of honor this weekend. I carve the scout's initials and "479" and then make some design on the rest.

After the knifework, I sand with 150, 200, 320, 400, 600 paper, then 0000 steel wool. By then my hands are worn out, I'm covered in dust, and the wood has a nice sheen. I've applied coatings in the past, but it doesn't increase the gloss much and I like the warm feel of the wood.

I tested them to make sure they worked and each one gave up an ember right away, one even on the very first compression!

This is a great project. Any chance you have directions or a link to how to make these. This is something I have been interested in in the past.

Thanks
Scott

Apr 30, 2011 - Scoutmaster Paul

I got the fire piston blanks from www.WilderSol.com so the hard part is already done. I just carve the outside.

May 01, 2011 - Scout Camper

Do you carve them with a pocket knife, or with a carving set? Those are awesome and I'd love to make some for my boys, but don't know if I have the time or the tools.

May 01, 2011 - Scout Camper

I checked out the site mentioned, and found the fire piston blank (A7) for $23. Is that what you used? Is it hard to put together? (It looks like you have to put the string on it for the plunger). I'd love to get into doing this, could you post more information?
thanks

May 01, 2011 - Scoutmaster Paul

I use my pocketknife to carve them. Just patience and a sharp blade, nothing fancy.

You might send WilderSol and email asking about kits. Neither of the items pictured on his site match what I've gotten in the past. What I got is already bored like the A6 item, but not tapered like the image shows. He also had some kits with plastic plungers and an O-ring rather than string and they work great, but I don't see them listed now.